Automatic linking machine



AUTOMATI C LINKING MACHINE Filed May 12, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. CRAFFORD BY Jada 71M ATTORNEYS Nov. 28, 1967 AUTOMATIC LINKING MACHINE Fil d May 12, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 T. J. CRAFFORD 3,354,633

ATTORNEYS BYTHOMAS J. CRAFFORD Nov. 28, 1967 Filed May 12, 1964 T. J. CRAFFORD 3,354,893

AUTOMATI C LINKI NG MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

THOMAS J. CRAFFORD ATTQRNEYS Nov. 28, 1967 T. J. CRAFFORD 3,354,633

AUTOMATI C LINKING MACHINE Filed May 12, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I NVEN TOR. THOMAS J. CRAFFORD ATTORNEYS Nov. 28, 1967 T. J. CRAFFORD AUTOMATIC LINKING MACHINE 5 Sheets$heet 5 Filed May 12, 1964 WWW ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,354,633 AUTOMATIC LHN'KING MACHINE Thomas J. Crafford, East Providence, 12.1., assignor to Craiford Tool & Die Co., Providence, R.I., a corporation of Rhode Island 7 Filed May 12, 1964, Ser. No. 366,770 19 Claims. (Cl. 5924) The present invention relates to an automatic linking machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for linking wire rings to performed elements.

The automatic linking machine embodied in the present invention has particular application in the formation of wire rings, commonly referred to in the jewelry industry as jump rings, to a preformed element such as the ring on a chain or finding. Although the present invention will be described in connection with a wire ring as used with articles of jewelry, it is understood that the invention may be employed whenever the formation of a wire ring is required.

The basic concept of the invention embodied in the automatic linking machine is illustrated and described in Patent No. 3,004,383 wherein apparatus is disclosed for automatically feeding wire stock to a linking machine severing the wire stock into a plurality of wire sections performing the severed wire sections into a U configuration and transferring them to an assembly station, and then forming each wire section in a required shape simultaneously with the linking thereof to a preformed ring, link or the like. The automatic linking machine as shown in Patent No. 3,004,383, has been successfully operated for the purposes intended and this machine has immeasurably contributed to the automation of assembling wire rings to chain or other finding as used in the jewelry industry.

The present invention is an improvement of the automatic linking machine illustrated and described in Patent No. 3,004,383, and includes a unique construction of a base, a carrier, a magazine assembly and a head assembly on which a cam and operating means therefor are carried for initiating the ring forming operation. The head assembly in the present invention is also pivotally mounted on a fixed yoke for movement to a position that provides for ready access to the magazine assembly and carrier that are mounted on the base.

In order to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the automatic linking machine embodied herein the magazine assembly is constructed for the simple removal of the component parts thereof, a Uclamp being secured in engagement with a face plate assembly which is arranged and constructed for retaining the component parts of the magazine assembly in the assembled positions thereof. A unique arrangement of a cut-off holder on which wire stock cut-ofi blades are mounted is further provided in the present invention. A locking device for the cut-off holder is also provided and extends through the carrier that carries the cut-off holder, the locking device being retractable to enable the cut-off holder, to be removed as a unit from the carrier when it is so desired.

As described in Patent No. 3,004,383, a cam device is shifted in a predetermined sequence to periodically elevate a floating carrier for producing the required severing of the wire stock into the wire sections and simultaneously moving the wire sections to an assembly station. In the present invention, an improved actuating mechanism and control system therefor for producing movement of the floating carrier and related devices is provided, the actuating mechanism and improved control system insuring the effective operation of the linking machine.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a linking machine that automatically cuts and feeds wire sections to an assembly station and then forms 3,354,633 Patented Nov. 28, 1967 the wire sections into wire rings for the assembly thereof to a preformed ring or finding.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pivotally mounted head assembly that includes a cam member and actuating mechanism therefor that are movable at predetermined intervals to depress an upper die member during the formation of a wire ring.

Still another object is to provide an automatic linking machine that includes a magazine assembly that is retained in assembled position by a U-clamp, the U-clamp being readily detachable for the disassembly of the component parts of the magazine assembly, as desired.

Still another object is to provide a retractable locking device for a cut-oif holder, the retractable locking device being biased to a release position when the cut-off holder is to be removed from its assembled position in the linking machine.

Still another object is to provide a unique system for producing automatic operation of the machine upon movement of a single valve by the operator of the machine.

Still another object is to provide a system for automatically operating the linking machine embodied in the present invention, the system including a plurality of pressure responsive devices that are operated in a predetermined sequence to produce the required elevation of the carrier, movement of wire sections to an assembly station and the forming and linking of each wire section to a preformed ring or finding.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional View of the linking machine embodied in the present invention with the head assembly thereof being shown in elevation;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the upper portion of the linking machine with parts of the head assembly being shown in section;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the linking machine showing the relationship of the upper die assembly to the face plate assembly, and further showing the neutral position of the floating carrier on the lower reciprocating cam members;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the face plate assembly illustrating the location of the pusher blade in the upper position thereof after movement of a wire section to the assembly station;

FIG. 4a is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the face plate assembly showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the component parts of the magazine assembly and face plate assembly and the relation thereof with respect to the vertically movable carrier; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration with parts shown in perspective of the system for automatically operating the linking machine embodied herein.

The overall general arrangement of the apparatus embodied in the present invention is illustrated in Patent No. 3,004,383, and reference is made thereto with respect to the general configuration of the table and housing that are associated with the machine.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the linking machine is generally indicated at 10 and includes a base 11 on which a cam assembly generally indicated at 12 is mounted for slidable reciprocating movement. The cam assembly 12 includes a bottom plate 13 on which spaced cam elements 14 and 16 are mounted. Located vertically above the base 11 is a floating carrier generally indicated at 18, which as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 includes a body portion 19 of a generally rectangular configuration n the under side of which depending portions 20 and 22 are formed. Followers 24 and 26 are secured to the depending portions 20 and 22 respectively by pins 28 and 30, which are in turn secured in place in the depending portions by set screws 32 and 34 respectively. The followers 24 and 26 are adapted to engage the cam elements 14 and 16 respectively and as will be described, movement of the cam elements 14 and 16 at preselected intervals will elevate the carrier '18 to produce the required operations of the linking machine.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the body portion 19 of the carrier 18 has an integral side extension 38 joined thereto through which the pin 28 extends and in which a slot '40 is formed, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. A similar extension 38 is joined to the opposite side of the body portion 19 for receiving the pin 30 therein. Formed centrally of the body portion 19 is a circular opening 42 that extends through an insert 43 and that is adapted to receive a projecting shank of a cutoff holder as will be described. Also formed in the upper surface of the body portion 19 is a recess 44 in which a cam member to be described is secured.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a magazine assembly generally indicated at 46 is illustrated, and includes the component parts of the automatic linking machine that cut the wire strip in U-shaped sections and feed the wire sections to a forward position for transfer to an assembly station. Disposed vertically above the carrier 18 and fixed to the base 11 by side and end members is a top plate 50. A cover 48 is secured to the base 11 and encloses the front of the carrier 18 Mounted on the forward portion of the top plate 50 is a front channel block 52 a dowel pin 54 aligning the front channel block with the top plate 50, and bolts 56 extending through the top plate 50 and into the front channel block 52 for the securement of the front channel block 52 to the top plate 50. A rear channel block 53 is secured to the rearmost portion of the top plate 50 and is alined by a dowel pin 60 and is secured in place by a bolt 62. The rear channel block 58 is spaced from the front channel block 52 and defines therewith a space in which a blade holder 66, a rear channel insert 68 and a rear channel insert holder 70 are positioned.

As shown in FIG. 5, the blade holder 66 is defined by a rectangularly shaped body portion 72, the upper end of which is formed with a slot 74 that defines spaced legs 76 and 78. Fixed to the legs 76 and 78 and located in a recess 79 that is formed in the body portion 72 are cutting and forming blades 80 and 82. A shank 84 is secured to the lower end of the body portion 72, and joined to the shank 84 is an enlarged head 36 that is adapted to slidably fit within the opening 42 formed in the carrier 18. As seen in FIG. 5, the uppermost edges of the blades 80 and 82 are grooved and are slightly inclined, which provides for receiving and severing wire stock. As will be described, upper movement of the blade holder with the carrier 18 will produce the severing action of the wire stock, and in addition the blades 80 and 82 cooperate with an arbor, to be described, to form the severed wire sections into a predetermined U configuration.

Located adjacent to the blade holder 66 and fixed to the top plate 50 by an elongated bolt 88, is the rear channel insert holder 7 0 which as shown in FIG. is provided with a slot 71 at the upper end thereof for receiving the rear channel insert 68 therein. An opening 90 is formed in the bottom of the slot '71 for receiving the elongated bolt 88 therein, the bolt 88 extending into the top plate 50 for securing the insert holder 70 thereto. The insert 68 includes top flanges 92 and 94 between which a slot 96 is formed, the bottom of which is generally rounded. The rounded formation of the slot 96 extends outwardly into a projection 98 that is formed as an integral part of the insert 68.

Disposed forwardly of the blade holder 66 and in engaging relation therewith is a stripper plate 99 in the upper end of which a U-shaped slot 101 is formed. The slot 101 is formed with a slight increasing taper from front to rear and is located in alignment with the slot 74 formed in the blade holder 66 and with the slot 96 formed in the rear channel. The tapered slot 101 in the stripper plate 99 thus provides for movement of the wire sections therethrongh during the feeding action of the transfer and feed mechanism, to be described, but prevents the wire sections from returning to the cut-oh area that may result from frictional drag between the wire sections and the transfer and feed mechanism. The wire sections are thus retained in the magazine as defined by the arbor element 112 and channel insert 100, when the transfer and feed mechanism is returned to the original position thereof after the feed operation.

Mounted on the front channel block 52 is a front channel insert in which an elongated slot 102 is formed having a generally rounded or curved bottom formation. Flanges 104 and 106 are formed as an integral part of the channel insert 100 and cooperate to receive in engagement therewith a one piece arbor generally indicated at 108. The channel insert 100 and the arbor 108 definea magazine in which a plurality of severed wire sections are progressively fed to the front portion of the insert 100 for transfer to an assembly station. As more clearly shown in FIG. 5, the one piece arbor 108 includes a plate 110 that is secured to the upper surfaces of the flanges 104 and 106. Joined to the underside of the plate 110 is an arbor element 112, the lower portion of which is generally rounded and that defines a forming element around which the wire sections are shaped during the severing and forming operation thereof. As seen in FIG. 1, when the plate 110 is located in engaging relation with the flanges 104, 106 of the front channel insert 100, the bottommost edge of the arbor element 112 is spaced from the bottom of the slot 102. The side portions of the arbor element 112 are also spaced from the sides of the slot 102 and a magazine is thus defined by the arbor and channel insert for receiving a plurality of wire sections therein.

In the assembly of the arbor 108 in the magazine assembly 46, the rearmost end of the arbor element 112 projects beyond the front channel insert 102 and is received within the slot 96 of the rear channel insert 68. In the assembled position of the arbor 108, the arbor element 112 projects between the spaced legs 76 and 78 of the blade holder 66'and cooperates with the blades 80, 82 to form the wire sections into the required U configuration, as will be described.

In order to lock the magazine assembly components in position, a face plate assembly generally indicated at 114 is provided and includes a front face plate 116 and a rear face plate 118 that is secured to the front face plate by pins -(not shown). Formed in the rear face plate 118 is an elongated vertically, extending slot 120 into which a pusher blade 122 projects. The bottom end of the pusher blade is secured by a screw 123 in the slot 40 of the projection 38 that is joined to the carrier 18, and the upper end of the pusher blade 122 is formed with a curved edge 124 that engages the underside of the wire sections and that also shapes the wire sections into the required ring formation during the ring assembly operation. As more clearly seen in FIG. 5, the rear face plate 118 is further provided with an opening 126 adjacent to the upper end thereof, the configuration of the opening 126 corresponding to that of the arbor element 112. With the front and rear face plates 116 and 118 located in assembled relation and with the pusher blade 122extending therebetween, the face plate, assembly is locked to the front channel block 52 by means of a U-clamp 128 and a fastening screw 130 that extends into the U-clamp 128. With the face plate assemblylocated in the assembled position thereof, the forward projecting end of the arbor element 112 extends into the opening 126 in the rear face plate, the face plate assembly thereby locking the arbor 108 and the other parts of the magazine assembly 46 in the assembled position thereof. A top plate 132 is also provided for securing the rear channel insert 68 and the one piece arbor 108 in the magazine assembly.

In order to secure the face plate and magazine assemblies in place, the U-clamp 128 is provided and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the U-clamp 128 includes a front portion to which side arms 134 are integrally joined. Each of the arms 134 is formed with a hook portion 136 that engages pins 138 that are secured to the sides of the front channel block 52. A set screw 130 is threadably received by the front portion of the U-clamp 138 and is adapted to engage the front face plate 116, the pressure of the set screw 130 against the front face plate 116, cooperates with the engagement of the hook portions 136 with the pins 138 to firmly secure the face plate assembly 114 in position. With the face plate assembly 114 secured as described, the magazine assembly 46 is also firmly secured in the assembled position thereof.

On occasion it is sometimes desirable to remove the blade holder 65 from its assembled position. This is accomplished by first removing the cover 48, the U-clarnp 128, the bolt 123, the pusher blade and the face plate assembly 114 and the one piece arbor 108. The screw 170, spring 166 and top plate 132 are next removed together with the transfer assembly to be described. The blade holder 66 is then lifted from its assembled position in the carrier by retracting a lock member generally indicated at 140 and that is provided for releasably securing the cutter holder 66 in place. As shown in FIG. 5, the lock member 140 includes an elongated portion 142 to which a short portion 144 is joined but that is turned at right angles with respect thereto. Fixed to the short portion 144 is a lock pin 146 on the innermost end of which a fork portion 148 is joined. Formed in the body portion 19 of the carrier 18 is an opening 145 that extends laterally therein with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carrier. The lock pin 146 projects through the opening 145, the fork portion 148 enveloping the shank 84 of the blade holder 66 and cooperating with the head 86 to prevent withdrawal of the blade holder 66 from the carrier 18. Also extending laterally through the body portion 19 of the carrier 18 is an opening 151? into which the elongated portion 142 of the lock member extends. As shown in FIG. 3, the elongated portion 142 projects outwardly of the carrier 18 and has a spring 152 located therearound. The spring 152 is maintained in position between the adjacent side of the body portion 19 and a lock washer 154, the lock washer 154 being secured in place by a pin 156 that extends through an opening 158 in the outer end of the elongated portion 142. It is seen that the lock member 140 may be retracted against the action of the spring 152 to remove the fork portion 148 from engagement with the shank 84, whereby the blade holder 66 may then be lifted outwardly of the carrier 18 for the disassembly therefrom.

Although not described in detail herein, the magazine assembly 46 includes a transfer blade 160 that cooperates with a cam 162 for feeding the severed Wire sections into the magazine that is defined by the front channel insert 100 and the arbor 108. The cam 162 is secured for movement with the carrier by a bolt 164, the operation of the transfer blade 160 and cam 162 as just described being more clearly illustrated and described in Patent No. 3,008,383. As further shown in this patent, a spring identified herein at 166 is located in an opening 167 in the rear channel block 58 and is provided for maintaining the pusher plate 160 and a transfer member 168 joined to the pusher plate in an active position. In order to retain the spring 166 under tension in the opening 167 in the rear channel block 58, a screw 170 is provided and extends into a threaded opening 171 of a yoke 172. The opening 171 is aligned With the opening 167, the outer end of the spring 166 extending into the opening 171 for engagement by the screw 170.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the yoke 172 is shown secured to the rear channel block 58 by bolts 174 and 176 and is formed with an upper enlarged portion 178 on which a head assembly generally indicated at 180 is mounted for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The head assembly 180 includes a base member 182 which is formed with a convenient opening therein for alignment with a pivot opening formed in the yoke 172, a pivot pin 184 projecting through the yoke pivot opening to pivotally connect the head assembly 180 to the yoke 172. As will be described, the head assembly 180 is adapted to be pivotally retracted for uncovering the magazine and plate assemblies when access thereto is required. In the normal position of the head assembly 180, the base 182 is secured in the position shown in FIG. 2 by an aligning bolt that extends through a convenient opening 186 in the upper portion 178 of the yoke 172 and through an aligned opening in the base 182.

Joined to the outer end of the base 182 is an upper die assembly generally indicated at 188 that is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the base 182. The upper die assembly 188 includes a block 191) in which an opening 192 is formed for receiving a spring 194. A11 outer portion 196 of the base 182 encloses the spring 194 which tends to urge the upper die assembly to the upper position thereof. Mounted on the block .190 is a die member 198 on the lowermost end of which a die element 200 is joined. The die member 198 is adjustable in lateral relation by the adjustment screws 2112 and 204 as seen in FIG. 3 and is vertically adjustable by means of an adjustment screw 206. The adjustments for the die member 198 assure that the wire section formed by the die element 200 and pusher blade 122 will be substantially circular in configuration. Further vertical adjustment of the die assembly 188 is provided by means of an adjustment screw 208 that engages the upper end of the block and that is adjusted to control the space between the upper die element 2110 and the uppermost end of the pusher blade 122. Secured in a slot 209 formed in the block 10 by a pin 210, is a cam follower 211 that is adapted to be engaged by an inclined surface 212 formed on the end of an elongated cam member 214. The elongated cam member 214 is secured to a piston rod 216 that extends into a head cylinder 218 of an actuating member generally indicated at 221 Compressed air or some suitable pressure medium is introduced into the head cylinder 218 and exhausted therefrom through the lines 222 and 224. Interconnecting the piston rod 216 and the elongated cam member 214 is an intermediate section 226 on the upper end of which an adjustable contact screw 228 is mounted. It is seen that the contact screw 228 will move with the elongated cam member 214 in response to the reciprocating movement of the piston 216 and in the outer position will engage a bleeder valve 230.

Mounted on a plate 232 that is fixed to the outer end of the base 182, is the bleeder valve 230, a line 234 communicating with the bleeder valve 232 and with a control valve to be described. It is seen that upon movement of the elongated cam member 214 to the left in response to a corresponding movement of the piston rod 216, the inclined surface 212 of the cam member 214 will engage the follower 211 to force the upper die assembly 188 downwardly against the action of the spring 194. Prior to this operation, the carrier 18 has been moved to the upper or normal position in response to movement of the cam assembly 12, the pusher blade 122 moving upwardly with the carrier 18 to locate a Wire section, indicated at 236 in FIG. 4, at an assemly station. As will be described, the pusher blade i122 and the upper die element 200 cooperate to form the wire sections 236 into the circular or ring shape thereof. It wil be noted in FIG. 4 that in the unassembled position of each wire section 236, the upper edges thereof are angularly out which provides for a firm connection of the edges so as to prevent collapsing thereof when in the assembled position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the system for effecting the operation of the automatic linking machine embodied herein is illustrated diagrammatically and reference will now be made thereto in connection with the operation of the machine. As shown in FIG. 6 an actuating cylinder 237 in which a piston is located is mounted on the base 12 of the machine. A piston rod 238 projects outwardly of the cylinder 237 and has a nut 240 threadably mounted thereon, The piston rod 238 extends through an abutment 242 that is mounted on the plate 13 of the cam assembly 12. A nut 244 is threadably mounted on the piston rod 238 and cooperates with the nut 240 to produce movement of the cam assembly 12 as the piston rod 238 is reciprocated. In order to produce movement of the piston rod 238 to the left as seen in FIG. 6, a cylinder 246 is provided, the piston of which is also connected to the rod 238. It is seen that the actuating cylinders 237 and 246 cooperate to longi udinally shift the rod 238 as required, the abutment 242 being fixed to the plate 13 on which the cam members 14 and 16 are mounted and being shifted therewith upon contact by either the nut 24% or 244 depending upon the direction of movement of the rod 238. It is understood that as the cam members 14 and 16 are moved with the plate 13 in a longitudinal direction, the inclined surfaces formed on the cams will engage the followers 24 and 26 of the carrier 18. Thus, as the earns 14 and 16 are shifted longitudinally in response to movement of the rod 238, the carrier 18 will be shifted in a vertical direction and in a predetermined sequence.

As described in the aforesaid Patent 3,004,383, wire stock is fed into the machine and into engagement with the upper surfaces of the cut-off blades indicated herein at 80 and 82. As the carrier 18 is shifted upwardly by the cams 14 and 16, the wire stock is cut into sections 236 and then formed as the blade holder 66 is moved upwardly with the carrier. The severed wire sections 236 are moved into engagement with the arbor section 212 and are thus formed in a U configuration after which they are shifted or transferred in the magazine defined by the front channel insert 164 toward the plate assembly 114 by the transfer mechanism 168 and 168. As each of the wire sections 236 is forced into the opening 126 in the rear face plate 118, the bottommost end thereof is engaged by the pusher blade 122 which moves the wire section 236 upwardly upon upward movement of the carrier 18. Since the wire sections are formed in a U configuration by the blade holder 66 in cooperation with the arbor 10.8, the wire sections are properly oriented with their ends facing upwardly for movement by the pusher blade 122 to the position illustrated in FIG. 4. As previously described, when the pusher blade 122 moves each wire section upwardly so that the upper ends are exposed as illustrated in FIG. 4, the head assemebly actuating device 22%) operates to move the die element 200 downwardly into engagement with the exposed ends of the wire section. The die element 206 thus cooperates with the pusher blade 122 to form each wire section into a circular or ring configuration. It is understood that prior to formation of the wire section in the ring configuration, the operator of the machine will place a preformed ring or finding over an exposed end of the wire section, so that vhen the wire section is formed in the ring configuration,

the newly formed ring is joined to the preformed ring or finding that had been placed in position by the operator.

When a wire section is moved from the magazine assembly 46 into the face plate assembly 114 by the transfer mechanism, it passes through the opening 126 in the rear face plate 118 and is then engaged on the closed underside thereof by the pusher blade 122. The pusher blade 122 then transfers the wire section to a slot 247 formed in the upper end of the rear face plate 118 for retention therein during the ring forming operation. The width of the slot 247 is normally dimensioned to accommodate the wire section in sliding relation, although this slot may be slightly reduced toward the open outer end thereof by tapering the adjacent face of the rear face plate 118. The reduced thickness of the slot 247 provides for a gripping or pinching action by the adjacent front and rear face plates, this gripping or pinching action being of particular importance when the legs of the wire section areto be more exposed than normal. Since the portion of the wire section that remains in the slot 247 defines a reduced surface for gripping by the face plates, it is seen that a firmer gripping action is reqiured, and in this case the tapered slot is desired. On certain occasions, it is desirable to reduce the area of the slot 247 by providing a spring element therein for engaging the Wire section. Such a spring element is indicated at 249 in FIG. 4a and as shown therein is secured to the inner wall of the front face plate. The front face plate 116 is also foreshortened to allow the upper most end of the spring 249 element to be exposed. This exposed end of the spring element has a slight inwardly curved configuration to produce the slot reduction and to effect the gripping or pinching action in the Wire section retained in the slot. The adjacent wall of the rear face plate 118 indicated at 251 in FIG. 4a may also be slightly tapered, or it may be formed with the usual vertical face, as desired and as dependent upon the characteristics of the rings being formed. The spring element 249 may be secured to the inner surface of the front face plate 116 in any convenient manner, such as pins, screws or the like. It is seen that if the U-shaped wire section is formed with diverging legs, for example, which configuration decreases the vertical dimension thereof, it may be necessary to use the spring element 249 wit-h or without the tapered face 251 of the rear face plate for producing the necessary gripping or pinching action on the wire section.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the operation of the machine will be described with reference to the air pressure system that is interconnected to the actuating devices and that is efiective to cause operation of the various elements as previously described. The operator first places a preformed link or element over one of the exposed ends of the U-shaped wire section that is located at the assembly station and that projects upwardly from the plate assembly. Air under pressure is introduced from a convenient source through a line 248, the line 248 communicating with an inlet line 250 and a line 252 that is interconnected to a foot valve 254. The foot valve 254 is also interconnected to the line 222 that is joined to the head cylinder 218. In the normal position of the device, the carrier is located as seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, and in this position the follower 24 is part way up the inclined surface of the cams 14 and 16. Proceeding from this rest or normal .position, the operator depresses the foot valve 254 which allows air under pressure from the line 222 to enter the head cylinder 218 at the rear thereof. At this point the line 224 that is connected to the forward end of the head cylinder and that is also interconnected to a four-way control valve 256, is exhausting to atmosphere through an outlet port 258, thus when the air is introduced into the head cylinder 218 through the line 222, the piston rod 216 is shifted to the left as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. Movement of the piston rod 216 outwardly or to the left as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6 causes the cam member 214 joined thereto to depress the die assembly 188thereby moving the die element 200 into contact with the exposed ends of the wire section236 that is located at the assembly station. It is understood that in the rest or neutral position of the carrier 18, the pusher blade 122 is located such that a wire section 236 is exposed at the upper ends of the face plates. Although the die member 200 is moved downwardly into contact with the exposed ends of the wire section 236, final assembly and formation of the wire section into the ring does not occur until further movement of the rod 236 to the left, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, by the actuating cylinder 246 to further elevate the carrier 18.

When the contact screw 228 moves outwardly with the head cylinder piston rod 216 for engagement with the bleeder valve 232, the line 234 which communicates with the bleeder valve 232 is placed into communication with a three-way control valve 264). Air located in the right side of the valve 260 is thus allowed to escape through the line 234 and bleeds through the bleeder valve 232 to atmosphere. The movable valve element in the valve 260 is then shifted to the right as seen in FIG. 6 to cause the air inlet line 250 to further communicate with a line 262 that is connected to the valve 260. The line 262 communicates with the right side of the actuating cylinder 246 and when air under pressure is introduced therein, the rod 238 is moved to the left as seen in FIG. 6. The valve members 14 and 16 are then shifted with the rod 238 that engages the abutment 242 and the carrier 18 is further elevated to move the pusher blade 122 upwardly to complete the formation of the wire section that is at the assembly position. Also connected to the rod 238 is an actuating element 264 which as seen in FIG. 6 includes pposed contact buttons 266 and 268 that are adapted to engage bleeder valves 270 and 272 respectively. Upon movement of the actuating element 264 to the left with the rod 238, the bleeder valve 270 is engaged to bleed air therethrough from a line 274 that communicates therewith and that also communicates with the valve 260. Communicating with the bleeder valve 27 0 through line 274 and a line 276 is the left side of the valve 256, while the left side of valve 260 communicates directly with the bleeder valve through the line 274. Upon movement of the rod 238 to the left from the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the bleeder valve 270 is engage by button 266, thus exposing the left side of both valves 256 and 260 to atmosphere for bleeding. Since the left side of valve 260 is now exhausted through the bleeder valve 270, the valve element in this valve is shifted to the left to cause the line 262 that communicates with the actuating cylinder 246 to communicate with an exhaust port 278 that exhausts the air in the actuating cylinder 246 to atmosphere. The piston in the actuating cylinder 246 is then in position for movement to the right upon actuation of the piston in the cylinder 237. Since the left side of the valve 256 is bled to atmosphere simutaneously with the exhausting of the left side i of valve 260, the valve element in the valve 256 is shifted to the left to cause communication between an air inlet line 280 with the valve 256 and the line 224 connected thereto. The line 224 is also connected to a line 284 which communicates with the actuating cylinder 237. Thus when the valve element in the valve 256 is shifted to the left in response to the bleeding of the left side thereof, air under pressure is introduced into the left side of the actuating cylinder 237 to cause the rod 238 to begin the movement to the right as seen in FIG. 6. At the time, a line 286 that is connected to the right side of the cylinder 237 is placed in communication with an exhaust port 288 by the valve element in the valve 256. Air is thus exhausted from the right side of the actuating cylinder 237 to permit the piston therein to move to the right.

Simultaneously with the exhaust of the line 286 to atmosphere, line 222 connected to .the right side of the head cylinder 218 is placed in communication with the line 286 and the exhaust port 288 through a one-way check valve 289. The line 224 into which air under pressure has been introduced through communication of the line-280 by way of the valve 256, now introduces the air into the left side of the head cylinder 218. Since the right side of the head cylinder 218 has been exhausted, the piston rod 216 is moved to the right to Withdraw the cam 214 from the extended position thereof. The head cylinder 218 returns the piston rod 216 and the cam memher 214 to the normal position to elevate the die assembly 188. Since the air is now introduced into the left side of the actuating device 237 through line 284, the piston rod 238 is moved to the right and the nut 244 engages the abutment 242 to move the cam members 14 and 16 therewith to the right as seen in FIGS. 3 and 6. The followers 24 and 26 thus move downwardly to the lowermost position thereof, carrying the carrier 18 therewith, the various components of the carrier 18 moving downwardly therewith. Since the actuating member 264 is connected to the rod 238, movement of the rod 238 to the right causes the button 268 of the actuating member 264 to engage the bleeder valve 272. The right side of the four-Way valve 256 is now exposed to atmosphere through line 290 and the bleeder valve 272. The valve element in the four-way valve 256 is thereafter shifted to the right as seen in FIG. 6 to cause the line 286 to communicate with the line 286. The line 224 once again communicates with the exhaust 258 and air from the left side of the actuating cylinder 237 is exhausted to atmosphere. The piston rod 238 is then shifted to the left again to carry the cam assembly 12 therewith until it reaches the neutral position shown in FIG. 6 which completes the cycle of operation. In this position, the cams 14 and 16 have been moved to the left to locate the followers 24 and 26 part way up the inclined surfaces thereof, thereby locating the carrier 18 in the partially elevated position.

It is understood that in carrying out each cycle of operation of the machine, it is only necessary that the operator depress the foot valve 254. This introduces the air under pressure into the head cylinder 218 and the complete cycle will then continue until the cam members 14 and 16 are returned to the neutral or rest position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. During each cycle of operation, the elements joined to the carrier 18 will perform their required operation, wherein the wire stock will be severed and formed into the wire sections 236 by the blade holder 66 and the blades and 82 attached thereto; the severed wire section will be transferred toward the plate assembly; and the pusher blade 122 will operate to move the endmost of the wire sections 236 upwardly to the assembly station as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

If it is required to disassemble the machine for any reason, the disassembly operation is simply performed by withdrawing the pin from the pivot connection 186 in the yoke 172 and pivotin the head assembly 220 on the pivot 184. The plate and channel assemblies are then exposed and upon removal of the U-clamp 128 the face plate assembly 114, arbor 163, front channel insert 1%, rear channel insert 68, stripper plate 99 and rear channel insert holder 78 may be withdrawn in turn. If it is required to remove the cutter holder 66, the release or lock pin is retracted against the action of the spring 152 to withdraw the fork 148 from engagement with the shank 84. The cutter holder is then moved upwardly to withdraw the shank 84 from the opening 42 for the replacement thereof as required.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for linking a jump ring to a preformed chain or finding, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for movement relative thereto, cam means mounted on said base for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and engaging said carrier for effecting vertical movement thereof, a plate fixed to said base and located vertically above said carrier, spaced front and rear members mounted on said plate, a magazine assembly engaging said members and including a forward insert mounted on said first member and being shaped and proportioned for accommodating a plurality of U-shaped wire sections, a rear insert located between said members, an arbor located in said first insert and including a portion around which said wire sections are moved into engagement, cutting and forming means fixed to said carrier for movement therewith for periodically cutting a continuous wire strip into said wire sections and moving said Wire sections into engagement with said arbor portion for formation into the U-shape thereof, means associated with said rear member and responsive to movement of said carrier for urging said cut and formed wire sections into said first insert, a plate assembly mounted on said front member and receiving the forward end of said arbor for locking said magazine assembly in position, a pusher blade connected to said carrier and projecting through said plate assembly for vertical movement relative thereto, said pusher blade being aligned with the forwardmost Wire section for engagement therewith, whereby vertical movement of said carrier and pusher blade therewith will move said forwardmost wire section to an assembly position, means for locking said plate assembly to said front membet, and a head assembly located vertically above said magazine assembly and including an upper forming die that is vertically aligned with said pusher blade and the wire section engaged thereby, said head assembly including means for periodically depressing said upper forming die for engagement with the wire section that is located at the assembly position for closing said wire section to form said jump ring, said depressing means including an operating member mounted for linear movement on said head assembly, means for actuating said operating member and means responsive to operation of said operating member for sequentially operating said cams means to elevate said carrier for moving the cut and formed wire section to the assembly position and for returning said cam means to the initial position thereof.

2. In apparatus for linking a jump ring to a p eformed chain or finding, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, means for periodically elevating said carrier, 3, magazine assembly joined to said base and including an insert in which a plurality of U-shaped wire sections are located that are successfully fed to the forward end of said magazine assembly, an arbor associated with said magazine assembly around which said wire sections are formed upon vertical movement of said carrier, means connected to said carrier and movable therewith for engaging the forwardmost of said wire sections for transferring the wire sections to an assembly station, a head assembly located above said magazine assembly in overlying spaced relation and including an upper die member that is mounted for limited vertical movement, a cam member that is movable in a linear direction for moving said die member downwardly, and an operating member joined to said cam member for effecting the linear movement thereof, wherein said die member is moved downwardly in timed relation to engage the wire section at the assembly position for cooperating with said transfer means to close the wire section and form the jump ring.

3. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, a yoke fixed to said base and extending upwardly therefrom, said head assembly being mounted for pivotal movement on said yoke whereby said head assembly may be withdrawn from the overlying position thereof to expose said magazine assembly for the disassembly thereof.

4. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, an actuating device mounted on said head assembly and being responsive to engagement by said operating member when said operating member has been moved a predetermined linear distance to cause operation of said elevating means, wherein said carrier is elevated to complete the assembly operation of the wire section at the assembly position.

5. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, a cut-off member mounted on said carrier for movement therewith, said cut-off member being operable upon vertical movement thereof to sever at predetermined intervals wire stock that is fed into said apparatus, said cut-off member cooperating With said arbor to form said wire sections into the U-configuration thereof, and means for engaging said cut-off member for releasably securing said cut-off member to said carrier.

6. In apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said releasable means including a release pin one end of which engages the lower end of said cut-off member for securement to said carrier, the other end of said release pin being resiliently secured to said carrier so that said release pin is movable in biased relation for disengagement from said cut-off member, wherein said cut-olf member is removable from said carrier.

7. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, a face plate assembly including a front face plate and a rear face plate between which said transfer means is slidably received, and a clamp engaging said magazine assembly for removably securing said face plate assembly thereto, said clamp including a U-member having opposed arms that are formed with hooks for positively mounting saidclamp on said magazine assembly, and thereby removably securing said face plate assembly to said magazine assembly.

8. In apparatus for linking a wire ring to a preformed member, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, cam means mounted for linear movement on said base, a first actuator for moving said cam means from a normal position to elevate said carrier, a second actuator for returning said cam means to the normal position thereof, a magazine assembly joined to said base and including means for feeding a plurality of wire sections to a forward position in said magazine assembly, means joined to said carrier and responsive to vertical movement thereof for successively transferring the forwardmost of said wire sections to an assembly station for the joining thereof with a preformed member, a head assembly overlying said magazine assembly in spaced relation thereto and including an upper die member that is mounted for limited vertical movement, and operating means carried by said head assembly for efiecting movement of said upper die member wherein said upper die member is moved downwardly into engagement with the wire section at the assembly station to form said wire section into said wire ring, said first and second actuators being responsive to said operating means for producing the vertical movement 'of' said carrier.

9. In apparatus as set forth in claim 8, said operating means including a cam member and a cylinder in which a piston is located that is joined to said cam member, a follower secured to said upper die member and engageable by said cam member, wherein movement of said piston in an outward linear direction will cause said cam member to engage said follower for etfecting downward movement thereof thereby causing said upper die member to'enga'ge the wire section at the assembly station.

10. In apparatus as set forth'in claim 9, a yok'esecured to said base and extending upwardly therefrom, said head assembly being pivotally connected to said yoke so that said head assembly may be pivoted from the overlying operating position, to aninoperative position, wherein the magazine assembly is exposed for maintenance or replacement of parts therein.

11. In apparatus as set forth in claim 9, valve means mounted on said head assembly, means joined to said piston and movable therewith for engaging said valve means after a predetermined linear movement of said piston and cam member joined thereto, and means responsive to engagement of said valve means for effecting operation of said first and second actuators.

12. In apparatus as set forth in claim 11, said means responsive to engagement of said valve means for effecting operation of said first and second actuators including pressure responsive valves, said pressure responsive values communicating with said actuators and being operative upon engagement of said valve means to control the flow of a pressure medium thereto, wherein said actuators are caused to, move in a predetermined sequence to effect the vertical movement of said carrier. V

13. In apparatus for linking a wire ring to a preformed member, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, means for movin said carrier in a vertical direction and in a predetermined sequence, a magazine assembly joined to said base and including means for retaining a plurality of wire sections therein, means located adjacent to said retaining means and on which said severed portions of wire stock are formed in individual wire sections, a cut-off member removably secured to said carrier and including severing elements for severing said Wire stock into said wire sections, a locking device for releasably retaining said cut-off member in said carrier, said locking device including a fork portion that projects into said carrier and engages said cutoff member for locking said cut-off member in said carrier, an elongated portion that projects through said carrier and outwardly thereof, and a spring enevloping said elongated portion and cooperating therewith to permit movement of said locking device, whereby said fork portion is retracted out of engagement with said cutoff member to provide for the withdrawal thereof from said carrier.

14. In apparatus for linking a wire ring to a preformed element, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, means for elevating said carrier at preselected intervals, means for retaining a plurality of wire sections therein, means for cutting and forming said wire sections, and means for releasably securing said cutting and forming means to said carrier, said securing means including a spring that permits longitudinal retracting of said securing means out of engagement with said cutting and forming means, when said cutting and forming means is to be released from said carrier.

15. In apparatus as set forth in claim 14, said carrier including an opening therein, and said forming and cutting means including a depending shank that projects into said opening, said securing means including a fork portion that projects into said carrier for engagement with said shank, and an elongated portion being secured to said fork portion and extending through said carrier for projecting exteriorly thereof, the exterior portion of said elongated portion receiving said spring that engages said carrier, said spring permitting biased movement of said securing means to release said fork portion from engagement with said pin, whereby said forming and cutting means is releasable for withdrawal from said carrier.

16. In apparatus as set forth in claim 14, said retaining means including a channel shaped member located adjacent said cutting and forming means and in which a plurality of wire sections are disposed for feeding to a forward portion of said channel shaped member, an arbor located in said channel shaped member and cooperating with said cutting and forming means to form said wire sections, a face plate assembly receiving the front end of said arbor and a rear insert receiving the rear end of said arbor, and a U-clamp engaging said face plate for securing said face plate in fixed position and thereby locking said arbor, retaining means, rear insert and cutting and forming means in the assembled position thereof.

17. In apparatus for linking a wire ring to a preformed member, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, means for elevating said carrier at preselected intervals, a magazine as sembly in which a plurality of Wire sections have been formed and in which said wire sections are movable to a forward end thereof, means for feeding said wire sections toward the forward end of said magazine assembly, a plate assembly located at the forward end of said magazine assembly for receiving said wire sections in successive order therein, said plate assembly including a front plate and a rear plate between which a slot is formed, said Wire section being reecived in successive order in said slot for movement to an assembly station, said slot being reduced in width so that the adjacent sides of said front and rear plates exert a positive gripping action on the wire section located in said slot, 21 head assembly located above said magazine assembly and including an upper die member that is mounted for limited vertical movement, means for depressing said upper die member at preselected intervals, and means responsive to said depressing means for moving said elevating means to elevate said carrier, wherein the wire section located at said assembly station is engaged by said die member for being formed into said wire ring.

18. In apparatus as set forth in claim 17, said plate assembly including a spring element that is secured to the inner surface of said front plate for reducing the width of said slot, said spring element cooperating with said rear plate to exert a positive grip ing action on the wire element located in said slot.

19. In apparatus for linking a wire ring to a preformed element, a base, a carrier mounted on said base for vertical movement with respect thereto, means for elevating said carrier at preselected intervals, means mounted on said carrier for retaining and feeding a plurality of wire sections to a forward end thereof, means responsive to vertical movement of said carrier for moving the forward- I most of said wire sections to an assembly station, means mounted on said carrier for cutting and forming said wire sections, means extending into said carrier and having access exteriorly thereof for releasably securing said cutting and forming means to said carrier, a yoke interconnected to said base, and a head assembly mounted on said yoke and including a vertically movable die, a cam member that is movable in a longitudinal direction to produce the vertical movement of said die, and an actuating device that is operable to move said cam member for moving said die downwardly to engage a wire section at the assembly station, said actuating device being responsive to a pressure medium for the operation thereof, and said head assembly including a valve member that is responsive to movement of said cam member for effecting operation of said elevating means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,478,814 12/1923 Bittrolf 5918 1,984,873 12/1934 Pullman 1086 2,680,344 6/1954 Capellazzi 59-27 2,889,866 6/1959 Braun 5923 3,004,383 10/1961 Crawford 5925 CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD J. HERBST, Examiner.

G. P. CROSBY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR LINKING A JUMP RING TO A PREFORMED CHAIN OR FINDING, A BASE, CARRIER MOUNTED ON SAID BASE FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO, CAM MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BASE FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT THERETO AND ENGAGING SAID CARRIER FOR EFFECTING VERTICAL MOVEMENT THEREOF, A PLATE FIXED TO SAID BASE AND LOCATED VERTICALLY ABOVE SAID CARRIER, SPACED FRONT AND REAR MEMBERS MOUNTED ON SAID PLATE, A MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY ENGAGING SAID MEMBERS AND INCLUDING A FORWARD INSERT MOUNTED ON SAID FIRST MEMBER AND BEING SHAPED AND PROPORTIONED FOR ACCOMMODATING A PLURALITY OF U-SHAPED WIRE SECTIONS, A REAR INSERT LOCATED BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS, AN ARBOR LOCATED IN SAID FIRST INSERT AND INCLUDING A PORTION AROUND WHICH SAID WIRE SECTIONS ARE MOVED INTO ENGAGEMENT, CUTTING AND FORMING MEANS FIXED TO SAID CARRIER FOR MOVEMENT THEREWITH FOR PERIDICALLY CUTTING A CONTINUOUS WIRE STRIP INTO SAID WIRE SECTIONS AND MOVING SAID SECTIONS INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ARBOR PORTION FOR FORMATION INTO THE U-SHAPED THEREOF, MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID REAR MEMBER AND RESPONSIVE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID CARRIER FOR URGING SAID CUT AND FORMED WIRE SECTIONS INTO SAID FIRST INSERT, A PLATE ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRONT MEMBER AND RECEIVING THE FORWARD END OF SAID ARBOR FOR LOCKING SAID MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY IN POSITION, A PUSHER BLADE CONNECTED TO SAID CARRIER AND PROJECTING THROUGH SAID PLATE 